Monday, October 4, 2010

East Mecklenburg got its first win of the season Friday at home against Myers Park, rallying in the second half to beat the Mustangs 24-21.

East Mecklenburg (1-5, 1-1 Southwestern 4A) ended a six-game losing streak dating to last season. The Eagles 24 points Friday nearly matched their total in the previous five games. Before Friday's win, East had been outscored 232-25.

East tailback Reggie Tskiduo had 16 carries for 127 yards and one score.

"This feels great, man," Eagles coach Jeremy Buck said. "We're so young. If you look at our depth chart, we started 15 freshmen or sophomores Friday. (The win) is good for the kids."

East Meck led the game 14-0 in the first half, but Myers Park (2-4, 0-2) rallied to take a 21-17 lead in the fourth quarter.

Eagles sophomore quarterback Jerrin Morrison, a converted basketball player who moved up from the junior varsity before the game, led his team on a drive. Morrison started his first game Friday, replacing Tennant Gardner, who moved to wide receiver.

East had been running behind right tackle all night and Buck said he noticed Myers Park beginning to cheat its defense to that spot. When the Eagles got near the Mustangs' goal line, with less than eight minutes to play, Buck told Morrison to fake the run right and keep the ball.

Morrison got a great block from receiver Sam Shisso, Buck said, and scored around the end.

Sophomore defensive back Richard Pharr sealed the win with an interception with less than two minutes to play.

"We've played a challenging schedule and it's prepared us for moments like this," Buck said. "We've gotten better. Hopefully our kids have gotten some confidence as we head into Butler (for a game this week). I watched them on film and I don't see any weaknesses. It'll be interesting to see after this week, since we will have played Mallard Creek and Butler, who might be better. That's the hot topic right now, and I can tell you they're both pretty dad gum special."